Prepping for pet parenthood?
There's a lot to learn when you have a new pet. Our sister brand, The Wildest, is here to support you—with new pet checklists, virtual training, and expert guides. Sign up for free.
Close button icon
Adopt
Border Collie dog standing in a field of light purple wildflowers image

Border Collie puppies and dogs

If you're looking for a Border Collie, Adopt a Pet can help you find one near you. Use the search tool below and browse adoptable Border Collies!

  • Ashburn, VA
  • Ashburn, VA

Sorry, we can’t find that location! Please try again.

What is a Border Collie?

Border Collie traits

Collie10-17
Herding
18-21 inches
31-52 pounds
10-17 years
Border Collie characteristics
Lifespan
5 yrs 20 yrs
Grooming needs
Occasionally Frequently
Good with kids
Needs lots of supervision Ready to play
Good with cats
Likely to chase Hey, new pal!
Training aptitude
Headstrong Eager to please
Full-grown size
Teeny tiny Super size
Border Collie adoption

Find a Border Collie Near You

Photo of Trixie

Trixie

Border Collie Mixed Breed (Large)

Female, 2 yrs
Los Angeles, CA
Size
(when grown) Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg)
Details
Good with dogs, Spayed or Neutered,
Story
Meet Trixie! A delightful 2-year-old Border Collie mix hailing from San Jose, California. With her radiant and friendly disposition, Trixie is a bundle of joy who thrives on human interaction and loves the company of both people and fellow canines! This spirited pooch enjoys nothing more than engaging in playful antics, whether it's a lively game of fetch with her favorite chew toys and balls or a spirited round of tug of war. Trixie's exuberance is matched only by her affectionate nature; she's a cuddle enthusiast who adores snuggling up with her loved ones! An athletic and robust companion, Trixie is always up for outdoor adventures, relishing her daily walks and exploring the great outdoors. While she may sometimes exhibit a bit of leash-pulling excitement, her friendly demeanor shines through, making her a hit with both fellow dogs and strangers alike. Trixie would do best with a fenced-in yard. Trixie shares her home with a small canine friend, with whom she gets along famously. Although she tolerates the feline resident, a household without cats may be more suitable for her. Additionally, Trixie's herding instincts may lead her to corral active children, so she'd thrive best in a household with older kids or without children. This intelligent pup is a quick learner and eager to please, making her a joy to train! Fully house-trained and accustomed to using a doggie door, Trixie is ready to adapt to her new environment with ease. She's spayed and up-to-date on all her immunizations, ensuring she's primed for her next chapter in life! If you're ready to welcome Trixie into your heart and home, don't hesitate to reach out to us at adopt@joyfulpets.com for more information! While Trixie currently resides with her loving family in San Jose, California, they're open to the possibility of a long-distance adoption, extending her reach to potential forever homes beyond their region. Simply submit your application through the provided link, and we'll gladly facilitate the introduction process. Trixie is eagerly awaiting the chance to become your faithful companion and cherished family member! https://forms.gle/jcU4Nx679Kpw4uTC7
Photo of Pete

Pete

Border Collie Mixed Breed (Medium)

Male, 1 yr 3 mos
Los Angeles, CA
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Good with dogs, Spayed or Neutered,
Story
Meet Pete! A lively one-year-old Border Collie Mix hailing from the bustling streets of San Francisco, CA. Pete embodies the essence of a true dog's dog, with an eager enthusiasm for socializing with his furry friends. His playful nature knows no bounds as he happily greets every dog he meets on his daily walks and enjoys engaging in spirited games of wrestling and chasing at the local park. Whether romping with big or small dogs, Pete's friendly attitude shines through, making him a beloved member of any doggy social circle! With his sharp mind, Pete is a quick learner who thrives on mental challenges and training sessions. Reflecting his heritage as a herding breed, he has a natural tendency toward activity, needing plenty of exercise and stimulation to burn off his abundant energy. Living in the city, Pete often expresses a desire for more space and physical activity to satisfy his instincts. Though a bit wary of strangers at first, Pete is fiercely loyal and affectionate with his chosen humans. He forms strong bonds with his trusted companions, sticking close to them and showing them plenty of love and devotion! Ideal living situations for Pete include homes with other dogs for him to play with or ample outdoor space where he can roam and potentially engage in tasks. Potential adopters should be ready to put in the time and effort for Pete's training and enrichment, ensuring his continued growth and happiness. Pete's favorite activities include playing fetch and chasing his doggy pals at the park. He knows a variety of commands like sit, stay, and shake, showing his eagerness to learn and please! While generally well-behaved, Pete may show some territorial behavior, especially toward delivery people, and he can get a bit anxious around loud noises. However, he adapts well to being left alone for short periods and can adjust to different routines. Fully vaccinated, neutered, and microchipped, Pete is healthy and responsible. His excellent house and crate training makes him an ideal companion for any loving home ready to embrace his lively spirit and affectionate nature! If you are an active family ready to give Pete the exercise he needs, please reach out to us at adopt@joyfulpets.com!
Photo of Dusty

Dusty

Border Collie

Male, 6 yrs
Los Angeles, CA
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Spayed or Neutered,
Story
Hi! My name is Dusty, and I am IN SOUTH KOREA waiting to be matched to a home in Los Angeles! I was rescued from the dog meat trade in South Korea by the DoVE Project. My fate would have been to live in fear and distress, watching dogs being led to slaughter for human consumption. DoVE Project heard about me, and now I am looking for my forever family! ID/NAME: DV24-003 / Dusty SEX/WEIGHT/AGE: Male / 44 lbs / 6 years BIRTH DATE: Aug 1, 2017 BREED: Border collie mix VACCINATIONS/SPAY/NEUTER/HEALTH: Vaccinated / Neutered / Healthy BEHAVIOR: Dusty is a sweet and playful pup and loves to take walks outdoors. SIBLINGS/FAMILY: Unknown BACKGROUND: Dusty was rescued from a holding cell in a slaughterhouse in Namyangju, South Korea in the summer of 2023. ABOUT OUR DOGS DoVE dogs come from a traumatic background such as dog meat farms and slaughterhouses. While many of our dogs acclimate within a few months with consistency, structure, and patience, some of our more sensitive dogs can take longer to rehabilitate. It's important to note that these sensitive dogs are even more attuned to human emotions and behavior, making for a deeper connection human-dog connection. DoVE Project is committed to helping our adopters desensitize and socialize our dog meat trade survivors. ********************************* DoVE Project operates a shelter in South Korea, where our dogs stay until they are matched with an adopter. In the US, our dogs stay in foster homes or in boarding, as we do not have a physical facility. These dogs are identified with "in LA" in their names. Please note that we only adopt our pups in the Southern California area. Please check our website for more information regarding our adoption process, our mission, and adoption application: https://www.dove-project.org/adoption-process If you are interested in adopting, please complete an online application at: https://www.dove-project.org/adoption-application-form.
Photo of PATCH

PATCH

Border Collie

Male, 5 yrs 1 mo
Studio City, CA
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Good with kids, Good with dogs, Good with cats, Spayed or Neutered,
Story
Is sweet PATCH your Match? Sweet, shy, gentle PATCH was found abandoned in a field in Bakersfield and is ready to find a place to call his furever home. He is extremely well-mannered, patient, kind, and just needs a chance to let his personality shine. He loves people and food most, but also likes all dogs and cats too! He prefers to spend more of his time inside where he feels safest, but has really enjoyed swimming and walking with his foster mom. PATCH is about 5 years old and such a gentleman. Could you show him the love and kindness he so desperately wants? He'll give it back a hundred times over! Check out this great reel about PATCH! https://www.instagram.com/reel/C0CfNRWPjMQ/?igsh=YTI4YzE2YTYwMA%3D%3D
Special Needs
Photo of Maggie

Maggie

Border Collie Labrador Retriever

Female, Young
Los Angeles, CA
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Good with kids, Good with dogs, Needs special attention, Spayed or Neutered,
Story
We rescued Maggie along with several others from a shelter in Mexico that was shutting down and planning to euthanize any remaining dogs. Maggie's right hind leg has an old injury that healed incorrectly. We were told that she got hit by a car and laid on the side of the road for 3 days before someone helped her. We brought Maggie to two different vets who agreed that surgery or amputation is risky and could not guarantee a better quality of life. Maggie is extremely happy and getting stronger every day. We have elected to do physical therapy to help continue to strengthen her hind legs and give her more range of motion. We have purchased her a package of 8 physical therapy sessions, which she could complete in her forever home. Maggie is a happy young dog who just loves to hang out with her people, go on walks, and play with her toys and other dogs. Her favorite activity is eating snacks, and her fosters have made a game for her out of hiding treats around the house and letting her sniff them out! Maggie is potty trained and non-destructive. She has had lots of interactions with small children and is so patient and gentle with them! We can't wait for Maggie to find her family! She is a special dog with slightly special needs but can go on walks, play, and cuddle just like the best of them! You will instantly fall in love when you meet her. Adopt Maggie at pupculturerescue.org/adopt
Photo of Aura

Aura

Border Collie Pit Bull Terrier

Female, 2 yrs 1 mo
Los Angeles, CA
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Good with kids, Good with dogs, Spayed or Neutered,
Story
“It’s tough to put in words how dreamy this girl is. She’s absolutely perfect. Aura (named because of her gazing blue eyes + sweet, infectious energy) is about a year and a half old. She’s house trained, can be left home alone and doesn’t touch a thing, friendly with all dogs and humans, walks great on a leash, gentle, cuddly, and so sweet! She’s low-moderate energy: loves to go for a long walk or hike, but if you can’t make it out is more than ok lounging around the house. She just loves her bed and toys! Aura is mostly quiet but has learned to bark when someone is at the door. She loves taking trips outside to soak in some sun, so would do best in a house with a yard that allows her that freedom. She is truly a special, well-behaved girl.”All dogs in our program are up to date on all their shots, spayed or neutered, and micro chipped. Our dogs are in foster homes which enables us to learn more about them in a home environment. We do not place dogs on a first come first serve basis, but rather to the home best suited for them. An application, adoption fee and contract are required. Please direct all questions to adopt@crdogrescue.com. All our dogs can be met with an approved application. Thank you for looking at a rescue dog for your next family member.
Or find a Border Collie by location
Border Collie information
Frequently asked questions

Border Collie Basics

Learn about about Border Collie basics like where Border Collie come from, how many different types of Border Collie you can find, and what other breeds mix with Border Collie.

Border Collies live between 10 to 17 years, longer than many breeds of similar size. These sturdy dogs are generally healthy and they aren’t prone to many serious health problems. Feeding your pup a high-quality diet and keeping up with regular exercise will go a long way to keeping the Border Collie in optimal health. Early diagnosis is the key to a long and happy life so be sure to schedule routine veterinary checkups.

Border Collies stop growing in height around 12 months of age. But they’ll continue to grow in terms of muscle and body mass for several more months, until around 15 months of age.

No, Border Collies are not hypoallergenic. Border Collies produce allergens in their skin, fur, and saliva, which triggers allergies in individuals who are sensitive to dogs. If you have allergies and are considering a Border Collie, it’s essential to spend time with them to see how your allergies react before bringing them into your home.

Mixed-breed Border Collies are quite popular including:


  • Border Jack (Border Collie + Jack Russell Terrier)

  • Bordoodle (Border Collie + Poodle)

  • Golden Border Retriever (Golden Retriever + Border Collie)

  • Border Heeler (Border Collie + Blue Heeler)


Border Collies originate from the border between Scotland and England. Their name comes from the invaluable service they provided to shepherds with massive flocks of sheep in the area. First known as Scotch Sheep Dogs, Border Collies have been around for over 100 years.



Border Collie Appearance

Learn about about the Border Collie general appearance like their size, colors, and grooming needs.

Border Collies come in more than 17 colors but they are most commonly black with white markings. Other common base coat colors outside of black include gold, sable, blue merle, brown, and red.


  • Black: Black border collies have a coat that is predominantly black, with white patches on their head, neck, chest, feet, and tail.

  • Red: Red Border Collies appear in different tones of red. Red is one of the most common colors seen in this breed.

  • Blue: Thanks to a gene that dilutes black coloring, the blue coat on blue Border Collies is actually a progressive ash gray.

  • Blue merle: The Blue Merle Border Collie has a white chest with a gray base coat that has patches of black on their ears, face, back, and tail.

  • Brindle: Brindle is a striped tiger-like pattern that is a normal coat pattern in purebred Border Collies.

  • Gold: Gold Border Collies, also sometimes called blondes, have a coat color most commonly associated with Golden Retrievers.

  • Lilac: Lilac Border Collies are actually red with a gene that dilutes their pigment. They appear somewhat purple in natural light.

  • Red merle: Red merle Border Collies have a red base coat, some white markings on their chest, face, neck, and tails, and random dark patches.

  • Sable: Sable is a pattern associated with a tan or red coat with black tips on each hair.


Yes, Border Collies have webbed feet, but their webbing is less pronounced than that of water-retrieving breeds. While they are not primarily water dogs, the Border Collie’s webbed feet can be an advantage when they encounter wet terrain or need to cross bodies of water.

On average, male Border Collies weigh between 40 to 52 pounds and stand around 18 to 22 inches tall at the shoulder, while females are typically smaller, weighing between 30 to 45 pounds. These medium-sized dogs have an athletic build.



Yes, Border Collies shed a moderate to heavy amount year-round. But they will also shed more than usual in the Spring and Fall in preparation for the upcoming seasonal changes. During this period, they will completely lose their thick, wooly undercoat; this process is known as “blowing their coat.”


There isn’t anything you can do to stop their shedding, but regular brushing will typically keep your Border Collie’s shedding under control and can help reduce the amount of hair they drop around your home.

Border Collies have a double coat that consists of a dense, insulating undercoat and a coarser, weather-resistant outer coat. The undercoat provides warmth and helps regulate their body temperature, while the outer coat acts as a protective barrier against the elements. Proper grooming and maintenance are essential to keep their coat healthy and in good condition.

Never shave a Border Collie. It’s unnecessary and harmful as their double coat is essential for regulating their body temperature and protecting their skin. Shaving can disrupt this natural insulation and make them more susceptible to temperature extremes. Fur also tends to grow back irregularly after shaving, leading to issues with their coat’s texture and appearance.

Border Collie Temperament

Learn about about the Border Collie temperament and how well they fit into your lifestyle, home environment, and family.

Yes, Border Collies are barkers. They will often bark when they are hungry, excited, bored, playful, lonely, or in need of attention. Their herding dog instincts make them highly alert so their bark is rarely triggered without reason. Of course, every dog is different so some Border Collies may bark more than others. But considering their high intelligence, Border Collies can definitely be discouraged from barking with proper training and exercise.

Yes, Border Collies will howl in communication, social bonding, and response to certain sounds. While the breed isn’t known for its howling like Huskies, they are definitely capable of it and can even be trained to howl on cue.

Border Collies are one of the fastest dog breeds and can reach impressive speeds of up to 30 miles per hour. Their exceptional speed and agility make them excellent at dog sports where quick movements and precise control are required.

Yes, Border Collies are affectionate and enjoy cuddling with their humans. They often form strong bonds and like to be close to their pet parents. But just like people, each Border Collie is unique so others may be more independent.

Border Collies make great service dogs because of their innate problem-solving abilities and trainability. Border Collies can excel in roles such as assistance dogs for people with disabilities. These high-energy dogs need time to mature though and their suitability depends on their individual temperament.

No, Border Collies are not aggressive dogs. These friendly pups do have plenty of energy to burn though, and without proper exercise, may exhibit behavioral issues. While any dog breed can potentially exhibit aggression, Border Collies are generally known for their gentle and friendly nature.



Border Collies start to calm down around 2 to 3 years old. As they mature, they often become more manageable and focused, making them easier to train and live with. But, Border Collies are known for their high energy levels and can remain quite active well into late adulthood.

Yes, Border Collies are one of the easiest dog breeds to train with positive reinforcement. These intelligent dogs love to learn and are very eager-to-please making them highly trainable. The high-energy dogs excel in obedience and agility training and do well with a job.

Yes, Border Collies are protective of their families. They may show protective behaviors by staying close to their people or alerting them to potential dangers. Their herding instincts can lead to behaviors such as intense staring, crouching, or positioning themselves between their family and a perceived threat. These actions are not aggressive but rather a way for them to assess and manage a situation to keep their loved ones safe.

Border Collies are widely considered the smartest dog breed. They possess amazing problem-solving abilities, which is a key factor in their success as herding dogs. Chaser, a Border Collie, gained fame as one of the most intelligent dogs in the world. She was able to understand and respond to over a thousand different words and phrases.

Border Collie Health

Learn about about the Border Collie health outlook and what diseases they may be prone to at various stages of their life.

Border Collies are fairly healthy dogs but there are a few health issues they are more prone to developing. Some of the most common health problems for Border Collies include:


  1. Hip and Elbow Dysplasia: Two of the most common skeletal diseases seen in Border Collies. They are similar diseases in which the joint has grown abnormally. The abnormal shape prevents the joints and sockets from properly meeting one another, resulting in rubbing and grinding instead of sliding smoothly.

  2. Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): PRA is a group of genetic diseases that affect the retina. They are progressive degenerative diseases and will eventually cause blindness in both eyes.

  3. Osteochondrosis Dissecans (OCD): This condition causes improper growth of the cartilage in the joints in Border Collies. The lack of cartilage properly covering the bone creates stiffness in the joint to the point that a dog becomes unable to bend their elbow.

  4. Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA): This congenital defect causes abnormalities or unusual changes in the eye.

  5. Others: Cancer, seizures, allergies, and compulsive behavioral issues are also a concern in this breed.


Adopting a Border Collie

Learn about about acquiring a Border Collie – the pros and cons of adopting versus going through a breeder, and associated costs.

The average cost to buy a Border Collie puppy is $700, with some costing as much as $4,000 depending on their breeding, location, and color. Alternatively, you can adopt a Border Collie from a shelter or rescue for less than $400.

The easiest way to adopt a Border Collie would be through a rescue that specializes in Border Collies. A great place to start would be by starting a breed search on Adopt-a-Pet.com. The search will show you all the available Border Collies in your area.

Border Collie fun facts

Other breeds you might like